WELA Condemns Illegal Curfews, Advocates for Women's Rights

Funmi Falana, the founder of Women Empower Legal Aid (WELA), condemned the imposition of illegal curfews by non-state actors across Nigeria, describing these practices as unconstitutional and dangerous, particularly for women and girls. In a statement addressing recent events in Ozoro, Falana noted that such curfews reflect a broader pattern of unlawful restrictions often enforced under the guise of cultural traditions.

She argued that these actions represent an abuse of power rather than legitimate cultural practices. Falana highlighted the severe consequences of allowing unauthorized groups to control public movement, warning that this creates an environment where lawlessness thrives and vulnerable groups, especially women and girls, are exposed to abuse.

She referenced the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, amended) and judicial precedents, including a ruling by the Ogun State High Court declaring traditional curfews unconstitutional. WELA called for a nationwide prohibition of curfews imposed by non-state actors and urged state governments to clearly define limits on traditional authority, emphasizing that such curfews should be treated as criminal offenses when accompanied by abuse or extortion.